Should Jaywalking Be An Offense?

A recent column in the Washington Post criticizes the city's crackdown on jaywalking, arguing that it only serves to discourage pedestrians.

1 minute read

June 5, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera

"The District has started a serious crackdown on jaywalkers, apparently as part of the Street Smart Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Campaign. While there is a smattering of signs aimed at motor vehicles reading "Yield to pedestrians in crosswalk," D.C. police seem more intent on targeting jaywalkers. It is worth noting that the two pedestrians tragically killed by a Metrobus at Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in February were not jaywalking but had the right of way in the crosswalk.

I do understand that pedestrians have a responsibility to obey traffic rules, for their own safety and that of others, but if the District is serious about ensuring a safe commute for those who walk to work, it should refocus its efforts."

Read the full story: District Should Welcome Walkers, Not Ticket Them

Monday, June 4, 2007 in The Washington Post

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